Health department applies for EPA septic repair grants

The Scioto County Board of Health received $160,000 in 2012 from the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) to help residents fix failed or failing residential septic systems.

Funding from grant has been allocated and the health department has started gathering names to be considered for this years funding.

The Scioto County Commissioners recently approved the last of the projects to be paid for under this grant for 2012.

According to Melissa Spears, director of Environmental Health for the Scioto County Health Department, the completion of these remaining projects it will exhaust 2012 funding.

“We were able to help 51 households with this funding,” Spears said.

She said the department requested $150,000 in funding from the EPA for the program in 2013.

“I told them (EPA) we wanted to fix at least 50 systems so, I would anticipate the maximum amount of $150,000,” Spears said.

Spears said the health department has a waiting list of 40 homeowners waiting to be considered if the program is funding in 2013.

She said the program is aimed at low to moderate income residents, depending on household size.

“If your system is failing or needs repaired and as long as you live in and own the home, you can apply,” Spears said. “Depending on household size, will depend on whether or not the funding will cover 100 percent of the project cost or if the homeowner is going to be required to pay 15 percent of the cost.”

She said those interested in applying must live in the county, can’t be hooked up to a sanitary system and the residence cannot be a rental property.

She said it’s uncertain when the department would be notified of the funding, Spears simply stated it could be anytime now.

She said those interested in being added to the waiting list can call the Scioto County Health Department at 740-354-3241.

Wayne Allen may be reached at 740-353-3101, ext. 228, or tallen@civitasmedia.com